Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry in Reno, Nevada
Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry in Reno, Nevada
When the soft center of your tooth begins sending distress signals through sharp pain or lingering sensitivity, your tooth is telling you something important about what’s happening deep inside. A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed, well over 14 million every year. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need for dental implants or bridges. At White Pine Family Dental, we understand the anxiety that often accompanies the thought of needing a root canal, but modern techniques and our compassionate approach make this procedure far more comfortable than you might expect.
At the center of your tooth is the pulp chamber, containing pulp. Pulp is a collection of blood vessels and connective tissue that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep cavity formation, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms of the infection can be identified as visible injury or swelling of the tooth, sensitivity to temperature, or pain in the tooth and gums. When infected pulp remains untreated, it can lead to serious complications that affect not only your oral health but also your overall well-being.
If you experience any of these symptoms, your dentist or endodontist will most likely recommend non-surgical treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp. This injured pulp is removed, and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. Before beginning the procedure, we administer a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort throughout the treatment. This therapy usually involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits, depending on the treatment required. During the procedure, we place a dental dam around the treated tooth to keep it clean and dry while we work inside the tooth.
The process involves creating a small opening in the crown of your tooth to access the tooth’s pulp chamber. Success for this type of treatment occurs in about 90% of cases. If your tooth is not amenable to endodontic treatment or the chance of success is unfavorable, you will be informed at the time of consultation or when a complication becomes evident during or after treatment. We use a local anesthetic to eliminate discomfort. In addition, we will provide nitrous oxide analgesia if indicated. You will be able to drive home after your treatment, and you probably will be comfortable returning to your normal routine. After cleaning and shaping the canal space, we fill it with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha, which seals the space to prevent future infection.
When your root canal therapy has been completed, a record of your treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. You should contact their office for a follow-up restoration within a few weeks of completion at our office. Your restorative dentist will decide on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. Following your procedure, we recommend you avoid biting or chewing with the treated tooth until your permanent restoration is placed to prevent further damage. It is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment or microsurgery. If a problem does occur, however, we are available at all times to respond. To prevent further decay, continue to practice good dental hygiene and maintain regular dental checkups to monitor your tooth’s healing progress.
Your tooth has been sending you signals for weeks or sometimes years. Maybe it started with a dull ache when you bit down on something hard, or perhaps a sharp pain shot through your jaw when you sipped your morning coffee. When you feel pain that persists or intensifies, it’s your tooth’s way of communicating that the infected pulp needs professional attention. These moments of discomfort are your tooth’s way of telling you something is wrong deep inside. Restorative dentistry encompasses several treatments designed to save damaged teeth, and root canal therapy often becomes necessary when the inner pulp of your tooth becomes infected or severely inflamed.
Several symptoms indicate you may benefit from root canal treatment: severe toothache when chewing, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, tooth discoloration, swelling and tenderness in nearby gums, or a recurring pimple on the gums. Your endodontist will typically take X-rays to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of infection within the tooth’s pulp.
We’ve seen many patients delay treatment because they fear the procedure will be painful. However, leaving an infected tooth untreated typically causes far more discomfort than the actual root canal procedure. The infection can spread to surrounding tissues, leading to abscesses, bone loss, and even systemic health complications. Trauma to your tooth from accidents or sports injuries can also damage the pulp, even when no visible cracks appear. If you experience dental anxiety about potential treatment, we offer sedation options to help you feel more comfortable throughout the process.
The story doesn’t end when you leave our office after root canal treatment. Your journey toward complete healing is just beginning, and knowing what to expect can help you feel confident about the days ahead. Most patients experience mild discomfort for a few days following their procedure, which is completely normal as your tooth and surrounding tissues heal. Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen typically provide adequate relief, and we recommend eating soft foods for the first few days while avoiding chewing on the treated side when possible. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene becomes particularly important during recovery, so gentle brushing, flossing, and rinsing with warm salt water several times daily will help prevent complications and promote healing.
Most root canal-treated teeth require a crown for long-term protection, so we typically place a temporary filling immediately after your procedure, followed by a permanent restoration once healing is complete. We want you to contact our office immediately if you experience severe pain, visible swelling, or signs of an allergic reaction to any prescribed medications. While complications are rare, early intervention ensures the best possible outcome. Our experienced endodontist team at White Pine Family Dental has been caring for Reno families for over 30 years, and we’re here to support you through every step of your recovery.
At White Pine Family Dental, root canal treatment costs $1385, providing an essential procedure that saves your natural tooth and relieves pain caused by infection. Our experienced team uses modern techniques to make the procedure as comfortable as possible. We offer several payment options and work with most insurance providers to help cover treatment costs. We accept Delta Dental, Guardian, Humana, MetLife, Ameritas, Cigna Dental, Renaissance Dental, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, GEHA, Diversified Dental, and other major dental insurance plans to help make your treatment more affordable.
When you’re experiencing severe tooth pain or infection, a root canal can be the solution that saves your natural tooth and brings you relief. At White Pine Family Dental, we understand that the thought of root canal therapy may cause anxiety, but our experienced team is committed to making your treatment as comfortable and stress-free as possible. We use modern techniques and take the time to explain each step of the process, ensuring you feel informed and at ease throughout your care. Our doctors, including Dr. Kenneth B. Prince, who has been serving the Reno community for over three decades, combine extensive experience with genuine compassion to provide personalized care tailored to your unique needs.
Our practice is dedicated to serving the Reno community with compassionate, high-quality dental care that prioritizes your comfort and well-being. We believe in preserving your natural teeth whenever possible, and root canal therapy allows us to do just that while eliminating pain and preventing more extensive dental problems. As a family-owned and operated practice, we’re committed to our singular goal: making our patients’ lives better through exceptional oral health care. Ready to find relief from tooth pain and save your natural smile? Call us at 775-825-6655 or schedule your consultation online to take the first step toward a healthier, pain-free smile.
Root canal procedures are no more painful than getting a standard filling, and most patients report less discomfort than tooth extraction. Local anesthesia completely numbs the tooth and surrounding tissue so you feel no pain during treatment, though you may feel pressure and vibration. IV sedation or nitrous oxide available for anxious patients. The severe toothache or abscess pain prompting root canal treatment is far worse than the procedure itself—root canal relieves existing pain rather than causing it. Post-procedure, expect mild to moderate discomfort for 2-5 days as tissue inflammation resolves, easily managed with ibuprofen or prescribed medication, sensitivity to biting pressure first few days (avoid chewing on treated tooth), and gradual improvement daily. Most patients return to normal activities immediately. Severe pain lasting beyond one week or worsening after day 3 indicates potential complications requiring follow-up. Modern techniques make root canals comfortable routine procedures. Contact White Pine Family Dental to address dental pain promptly.
Root canal costs vary by tooth type and complexity. Front teeth (incisors/canines) cost $700-$1,200, premolars (bicuspids) cost $800-$1,500, and molars cost $1,000-$2,000. These fees cover endodontic treatment—cleaning and filling root canals—but not the necessary crown. Additional costs include exam and X-rays ($75-$300), temporary crown ($150-$300), permanent crown ($1,000-$3,000), and post-and-core buildup if significant structure lost ($200-$500). Total investment for molar root canal with crown: $2,000-$5,000. Complex cases requiring endodontist cost 30-50% more but offer specialized expertise. Root canal retreatment if first attempt fails costs $750-$2,400. Most insurance covers 50-80% of root canal costs after deductible, categorized as major restorative. Annual maximums ($1,000-$2,000) may not cover entire treatment plus crown. Despite significant cost, root canals save natural teeth—alternative is extraction ($75-$650) plus replacement with bridge ($2,000-$5,000) or implant ($3,000-$6,000), making root canal often most cost-effective. White Pine Family Dental offers payment plans—call (775) 825-6655.
Most root canals are completed in 1-2 appointments, with each lasting 60-90 minutes depending on tooth complexity and infection severity. Simple cases (front teeth, single canal, no infection): typically completed in single 60-minute appointment including numbing, accessing tooth, cleaning canal, filling canal, placing temporary filling. Complex cases (molars with multiple canals, curved roots, severe infection): require 2 appointments—first visit (90 minutes) cleaning canals and placing medication inside tooth with temporary filling, second visit (60 minutes) 1-2 weeks later for permanent filling and sealing after infection clears. Factors affecting duration: number of root canals in tooth (molars have 3-4 canals vs. front teeth with 1-2), canal anatomy (curved, narrow, or calcified take longer), infection severity (heavily infected need medication between visits), and whether endodontist or general dentist performs procedure. Additional appointments: crown preparation visit (30-45 minutes) after root canal heals, crown placement visit (30 minutes) 2-3 weeks later. Total timeline: 3-6 weeks from start to finished crown. White Pine Family Dental schedules root canal evaluation if experiencing tooth pain.
Root canal therapy has an excellent 95-97% success rate for initial treatment when performed properly, with most treated teeth lasting many years—often a lifetime with proper care. Long-term success rates remain strong: 85-90% of teeth survive and function well for 10+ years, and 70-80% remain successful at 20+ years. Success depends on tooth type (front teeth slightly higher success than molars), infection extent before treatment, completeness of canal cleaning and sealing, quality of final restoration (crown), patient’s oral hygiene, and absence of new trauma. Reasons root canals fail (5-10% of cases): missed canal anatomy during treatment (narrow, curved, or extra canals undetected), incomplete cleaning leaving infected tissue, delayed crown placement allowing bacterial contamination, new decay exposing canal filling to bacteria, fracture in tooth root (often undetectable), or persistent infection resistant to treatment. Signs of failure: pain weeks/months after treatment, swelling or pus discharge, tooth sensitivity to pressure, abscess formation, or loosening tooth. Failed root canals can often be retreated with 85-88% success through thorough cleaning. Alternative is extraction and replacement with bridge or implant. Seeing endodontist for complex cases may improve rates. White Pine Family Dental provides routine and complex root canals.
Recovery from root canal treatment is typically quick and straightforward, with minimal disruption to daily life. Immediate post-procedure (2-4 hours): numbness lasts 1-4 hours, avoid eating until sensation returns preventing biting cheek/tongue, tooth may feel tender when anesthesia wears off. First 24-48 hours: mild to moderate discomfort when chewing (avoid using treated tooth), sensitivity to pressure is normal, swelling may occur if infection was present, manage pain with ibuprofen or prescribed medication, apply ice packs to face if swelling (20 minutes on/off). Days 3-7: discomfort steadily decreases each day, can resume eating on treated tooth with soft foods, sensitivity diminishes significantly, most patients feel normal by end of week. Ongoing care: maintain excellent hygiene (brush, floss normally), take prescribed antibiotics completely even if feeling better, avoid hard foods on treated tooth until permanent crown placed, attend follow-up for crown placement. Warning signs requiring immediate attention: severe worsening pain after day 3, visible swelling increasing after 48 hours, fever over 101°F, pressure feeling inside tooth, allergic reaction to medications, or temporary filling falling out. Most return to work/school same day. Complete healing takes several weeks internally. Schedule crown placement promptly at White Pine Family Dental.
While not absolutely required in all cases, crowns are strongly recommended after most root canals because treated teeth become significantly more brittle and prone to fracture. Root canal-treated teeth need crowns because removal of pulp eliminates internal blood supply making tooth dehydrated and brittle (similar to dead tree branch), extensive decay removal before root canal often leaves minimal structure, access hole on chewing surface weakens structural integrity, teeth without nerve don’t signal pain before fracture, and uncrowned root canal-treated teeth have much higher fracture risk within 5 years. When crowns are essential: all molars and premolars (back teeth enduring heavy chewing forces)—over 90% fracture without crowns, teeth with large existing fillings or significant decay, teeth with cusps (points) remaining after root canal—unsupported cusps fracture easily. When crowns may not be needed: some front teeth (incisors) with minimal structure loss, teeth where access hole made from back side preserving front structure, teeth restored with extensive bonding immediately after. Even when not immediately necessary, most dentists recommend crowns long-term. Crown should be placed within 1-2 months—delaying risks fracture requiring extraction, negating root canal investment. Cost of crown ($1,000-$3,000) protects root canal investment ($700-$2,000). White Pine Family Dental includes crown planning in root canal discussions.
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